Mononucleosis
Mononucleosis Causes
There are two viruses can cause mononucleosis (mono): the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Both viruses are part of the herpes family, whose other members include the viruses in charge for cold sores and chickenpox.
Mononucleosis Definition
Infectious mononucleosis (mono), or glandular fever, is often called the kissing disease. The virus that causes this disease is transmitted by saliva, so kissing can spread the virus, but so can coughing, sneezing, or sharing a glass or food utensil. The name comes because the number of mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells with a one-lobed nucleus) rises importantly.
Mononucleosis Diagnosis
Monospot test may be done to check your blood for antibodies to the Epstein-Barr virus. This screening test provides results within a day. But it could not detect the infection during the first week of the illness.
Mononucleosis Symptoms and Signs
Signs and symptoms of mononucleosis may include: Fatigue, Weakness, Sore throat, perhaps a strep throat that does not get better with antibiotics, Fever, Swollen lymph nodes in your neck and armpits, Swollen tonsils, Headache, Skin rash, Loss of appetite, Soft, swollen spleen, Night sweats.
Mononucleosis Treatment
There is no specific therapy available to treat infectious mononucleosis. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections such as mono. Treatment primarily involves bed rest and adequate fluid intake.